Get an Apple G5 and an Apple iPod. Together with the supplied iTunes software this system will meet all your goals. The G5 has built in optical (Toslink) digital I/O; iTunes will organize your music into playlists and the iPod will allow you to take that music wherever you go. This system will be fully integrated and very easy to use. The sound quality will be determined by the quality of the external D/A converter you use. As a stand alone unit the Apple is equivalent to a very high quality CD transport.
When outfitted with twin 250Gb internal hard drives the G5 can hold approximately 800 CD at full 16bit/44.1kHz resolution. Firewire hard drives can be easily added if you require additional storage capacity. Depending on exactly how you configure it, an Apple setup will cost approximately $2,500 to $3,000.
When outfitted with twin 250Gb internal hard drives the G5 can hold approximately 800 CD at full 16bit/44.1kHz resolution. Firewire hard drives can be easily added if you require additional storage capacity. Depending on exactly how you configure it, an Apple setup will cost approximately $2,500 to $3,000.